Preparations for uninterrupted power supply in Bihar during Diwali and Chhath, control rooms to operate 24 hours

Patna: The Energy Department has stepped up preparations to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the state and the safety of devotees at Chhath ghats during the Diwali and Chhath Mahaprov. In this regard, a high-level review meeting was held on Saturday at Vidhyut Bhawan in Patna, attended by senior officers of South Bihar Power Distribution Company and North Bihar Power Distribution Company, along with Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers posted at the field level. The meeting issued necessary directives for continuous power supply during the festivals, safety arrangements at Chhath ghats, and the prompt resolution of power-related complaints.

Considering the increasing demand for electricity, the department has analyzed data from 2023, 2024, and 2025 to estimate the likely requirement for the current year. To take immediate action in case of any obstruction in power supply, 24-hour control rooms will remain active from the department's head office to the divisional level.

Special inspection of electric wires and poles at Chhath ghats

In view of the safety of devotees, a special inspection of electric wires, poles, and transformers at Chhath ghats is being conducted. Worn-out wires are being replaced, and safe cord conductors are being installed in place of 11 kV open wires as needed. Iron electric poles installed at the ghats and on the roads leading to them are also being made safe. Additionally, work is underway to replace LT bare wires with AB cables.

According to the department, the fencing of distribution transformers installed around Chhath ghats has been completed. Additional transformers and necessary equipment have also been made available for immediate replacement in case a transformer malfunctions or burns out. Temporary fuse call teams will also be deployed at the ghats for the prompt resolution of power-related complaints.

997 officers and staff deployed at 91 ghats in Patna

14 temporary control rooms have been set up to monitor power arrangements at 23 major and 68 other Chhath ghats falling under the jurisdiction of Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (PESO). Under these, 152 officers and 845 technical electrical staff have been deployed.

For better communication and immediate action, relevant staff in the Patna and Deo (Aurangabad) areas have been provided with mobile phones and walkie-talkies. Employees on duty have also been issued retro-reflective jackets, blue jackets, and safety kits.

Special arrangements at 10,599 Chhath ghats in the state

According to departmental data, 948 major and 2,381 other Chhath ghats have been identified under the South Bihar Power Distribution Company, while 457 major and 6,813 other Chhath ghats have been identified under the North Bihar Power Distribution Company.

Thus, preparations have been made to maintain proper power arrangements at a total of 1,405 major and 9,194 other Chhath ghats, i.e., 10,599 Chhath ghats across the state.

State Energy Minister Shlesh Kumar, also known as Blue Mandal, while wishing the people of the state a happy Diwali and Chhath Mahaprov, said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply to every home during the festivals is a priority for the government. He has directed the Energy Department to make special arrangements for continuous power supply and the safety of devotees at Chhath ghats.

There, the Secretary of the Energy Department and Chairman and Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), Ajay Yadaw, also extended festival greetings to the people of the state, saying that everyone should celebrate the festivals in a safe environment with joy and enthusiasm. He instructed officers and engineers to remain fully committed to ensuring continuous electricity supply and to take immediate action on any complaints, along with conducting safety checks on power lines, poles, and transformers at the six ghats.

He added that the electricity arrangements would be monitored 24 hours a day during the festivals, so that the public would not face any inconvenience.